NORTHHOWMUCHISYOURLOVE, Chapter 8 part 2
“Hop on.”
“Already showing attitude the moment you arrive. Where’s the helmet? Safety first, wear a helmet.” “I don’t have one for you. Fall off and die for all I care.”
“What did I do to deserve that kind of resentment?” I said, chuckling, before Tiger reluctantly handed me a helmet. I took it and put it on.
“You’re lucky I don’t let just anyone ride with my beloved bike.” Tiger said while I was struggling to get on. Why does this scene feel so familiar?
“I’ve seen Nao riding with you all the time.”
“Nao doesn’t count. He’s the only one I meant to let ride with me. See this helmet? I bought it for Nao.”
“Got a thing for my friend, huh? Well, yeah, this helmet does suit Nao, being orange and all.” Nao likes oranges. Once I managed to get on the bike, the rider started the engine, and the beautiful big bike moved out. I’ve said it before, I don’t know much about bikes, just whether they look good or not. And Tiger’s bike is indeed very nice, though different from Phii Johan’s model.
After a while, we arrived at the faculty. It was good that he didn’t drive as fast as Phii Joe did this morning. Otherwise, I’d have been chanting prayers again for sure.
“So, how was getting kicked this morning?” I asked, handing back the helmet.
“Ohhh, it was…so good.”
“Hold on.” I interjected, “It felt good?”
“It felt like being slapped by a cat’s paw, man. Soft and everything, like going to heaven, my heart was like…Nao, kick me again, kick me more.”
Um…
How should I respond to that?
Tiger, damn…and look at his face, stop using that handsome face for stuff like this, it’s ruining everything. I want to take a photo and post it on a page for everyone to see, his face looks like hell, is this the face of the engineering faculty at our university…
“Crazy bastard.” “Huh.”
“You might be the only person in the world who gets beaten up and feels happy, now you’ve turned into a sadomasochist or something?”
“Damn it, but seriously, Nao’s kicks are super heavy, when he steps down, I feel like my guts are about to burst. But what can I do? Can’t fight back, can’t even block with my arms.” Tiger said as we were walking towards the parking lot.
“Why can’t you block with your arms?” I furrowed my brows in confusion, “Can’t you just lift your arm to block?”
“Nao…he says it’s annoying to hit my hands, tells me to put my hands down.”
“Wow, brave househusband.” I remarked.
“Yeah, trained by kicks.”
We stopped in front of the cafeteria where there’s a coffee shop with an incredibly long line. Why is coffee selling so well today? Usually, there are people buying it, but I’ve never seen it this crowded, the cafeteria almost looks like it’s going to burst. Oh, that’s right, the page said the engineering faculty’s coffee was selling well because they saw Phii Johan bothered to drive all the way here to buy it. Well, that’s quite the celebrity status.
“Damn, so many people. Is there nowhere else to eat?” Tiger muttered softly, “You might not get your green tea now.”
“No, I will stay here.” I insisted.
“Check out the line first, by the time you get your food, class will be over.”
“You’re exaggerating, let’s go queue up.” I said, almost giving an order. Ever since I found out about Nao, Tiger’s been like someone who can’t fight back against me.
They call it knowing someone’s weakness…
And only a few people know about this, just Tiger’s friends and me…As for how I found out…I overheard it by chance. “Wow. Why does someone like you have to know this? You use it against me.” Tiger complained, sounding annoyed, “Alright. Just green tea, right? Just getting green tea will satisfy you, right?”
“Yeah, special green tea, less sweet, can you add whipped cream?”
“I guess.”
“Hmm, but no, it doesn’t really go together.”
“Annoy me”
“Get me a sandwich too, with ham, make it two.”
“Agreed on just green tea then?”
“I’m starving here, haven’t had breakfast yet, bring some other snacks too, I’m super hungry, bring a lot, you’re treating.”
“Asshole, the nickname ‘the asshole of the electric department’ isn’t just for show, I got it today.” Tiger said before walking to join the line. I then walked over to sit and wait in that line, feeling a bit sorry for him seeing how long the queue was.
And while I was scrolling through my Facebook…
MaPrang: North, 555
MaPrang: What did you do to Johan?
North♣: Yes?
North♣: I didn’t do anything, Phii.
North♣: Why?
MaPrang: He deducted your debt three times.
MaPrang: So I was just curious what you did.
North♣: Huh!!
North♣: Three times?
MaPrang: Yes, he just told me.
MaPrang: So that’s 240,405 baht in total.
MaPrang: I’ll subtract 405 baht for now.
MaPrang: That’s 240,000 even, right?
North♣: Nooo
North♣: sends sticker
MaPrang: What do you mean? Don’t need to subtract?
North♣: Nooo, I mean. Don’t deduct, nooo.
North♣: sends a sticker
MaPrang: Funny sticker, haha
MaPrang: I’m working now, just stopped by to say.
MaPrang: If you’re going to transfer money, let me know first, okay?
And then Phii Prang went offline…
What’s with giving me three thousand and then deducting a thousand? What kind of heart is made of? And what’s this about? What else have I done? Plus, he deducted three times, T^T
I decided to message Phii Johan, although I didn’t really want to disturb him during class, but this was a big deal, it’s a thousand baht!
North♣: Phii
North♣: Why…
North♣: How can you do this, T^T
(Read)
Here, read but no reply.
Before I could think or complain more by myself, all these snacks and green tea were placed on the table. I looked up to see Tiger raising his eyebrows at me, then he sat down on the opposite side.
“Why so fast?” I raised my eyebrows, the line was so long, how did he get it so quickly?
“I cut the queue.”
“…” “You are really bad.”
“Am I a bad boy?” Tiger asked.
“Nao doesn’t like bad boys.”
“Oh, then I’ll take it back.”
“Asshole. No need, but how did you get it so fast?”
“Well, when they saw me in line, they were like…you can go first, many people said that until I ended up at the front of the line.”
“Wow, the power of the faculty.”
“Ordinary, it should be because I am this handsome, but I have a wife named Duennao, you know?”
“…”
“Sigh”
“Friend, if he is comfortable, I’m okay. You’re talking nonsense, aren’t you?” I said with a sigh. What’s with everyone around me? Thank goodness I’m still normal. Then I proceeded to drink green tea and eat snacks without a care, and Tiger was eating too, he had just woken up and hadn’t had breakfast either.
“Yeah, was about to say.” Tiger suddenly said with his mouth full of snacks, “Nice shirt.”
“This shirt?” I repeated, looking down at the shirt I was wearing. It was Phii Joe’s shirt, quite nice actually. Didn’t even notice. And it’s comfortable too.
“I like it. If I’m not mistaken, this is a limited edition.” He said, reaching out to touch the sleeve to feel the fabric, “Yeah. I couldn’t get one back then, my dad wouldn’t let me go buy it, school was in the way, couldn’t order it either, it was too limited.”
“Just because of school you couldn’t buy it?” I asked, puzzled. Couldn’t you go after school?
“It was only sold in England, limited edition.” Wow, that extreme? So I’m wearing a shirt bought from England, a limited edition one at that.
“Are you selling it? I really want it, I like it.” He asked with shining eyes. Tiger is one of those guys who’s crazy about nice shoes, clothes, and even cars.
“Ten thousand.” I jokingly said, making his eyes widen.
“Seriously? I’ll buy it, give me your account number.”
“Huh? You’re ready to transfer right now?” I raised my eyebrows in surprise. It was a joke, and I even exaggerated the price.
“I’m ready, but is it cheap enough for a fake?” He raised an eyebrow, looking suspicious, then pulled the shirt to check again, “It’s real though.”
“Is that cheap, ten thousand?”
“Yeah, I can’t remember the exact price, but it’s not less than twenty thousand. So, are you selling?”
“I’m not selling, I was joking. It’s not mine.” I said, shaking my head. I knew it was expensive, but not that much, right? Now I want to take it off and fold it back.
“Oh, it’s your husband’s then, the one you said you borrowed to cover your shirt?”
“Here’s another one, what’s with your husband?” I said, making a face at him.
“Will you boast about your rich husband?”
“Enough, let’s stop talking.” I said to cut him off.
“The eyebrows I’ve been raising.”
“Hmm, put them aside.”
“Okay, then I’ll delete Nao’s picture.” I said while pulling out my phone. Being the only one in the group who knows about this, he often has me take pictures of Nao, but I don’t understand why since they’re in the same room.
“No, no, leave the thanks aside, just send Nao’s picture through LINE.” “Here you go.” I sent the picture of Nao secretly napping during yesterday’s class.
“Huuh, so cute. I can’t take it anymore, where’s the bathroom!!”
“Hold on, calm down first.” I quickly stopped him, whether it’s joking or serious. It’s still scary, “Stay calm, take a deep breath, damn, will Nao ever know he has a stalker who likes him this much?”
“Stalker? Whatever, huuh, this guy is just so cute, yeah, I’m going up to class now, what about you?”
“I’m staying around here, I have class in the afternoon.”
“Oh, and what will you do until then?”
“Just play on my phone, I’ll manage somehow.”
“Thinking I care, huh? How brave.”
“From the heart, do you hate me or what?”
“Glad you know, but you can come up to class with me, the teacher won’t mind.”
“Nah, sitting here playing on my phone or going to class, which one is better for my life, answer me.”
“Yeah, keep playing, you’ll run out of battery.”
“I’ve got a power bank, and mosquito repellent too.”
“…Why would you carry mosquito repellent?”
09:03 AM
North♣: Are you really going to read and not reply?
North♣: I didn’t mean to bother you.
North♣: But could you explain about the money deduction, T^T
(Read)
09:42 AM
North♣: What about the three thousand baht? North♣: You gave it to me but then deducted it again??
North♣: Can I have my money back, LOL?
(Read)
10:23 AM
North♣: Just kidding, Phii. Who would do that, LOL?
(Read)
I’m sitting alone under the Engineering Faculty, surrounded by people passing by, super bored, I’ve been texting everyone and no one’s replying, honestly, Phii Johan shouldn’t have brought me to the university this early. I have classes in the afternoon, making me wait like this is killing me.
And why does he read my messages and not reply? If he’s not free, shouldn’t he just not read the messages? Does this mean he’s ignoring my chat, T^T?
12:04 PM
Johan: ?
Johan: Why are you spamming messages?
Johan: Are you that free?
Oh, he replied. Right at noon, must mean he’s just on lunch break.
North♣: Yes, I’m free.
North♣: Very free.
Johan: Oh.
Johan: Then go do something useful.
North♣: Oh my gosh! -, ;
North♣: I have a lot of questions I want to ask.
North♣: You’ve docked my money…
North♣: How, why, why did you do this, T^T. And three times at that. I still can’t figure out what I did.
Johan: Not surprising. North♣: Not surprising about what?
Johan: That you can’t figure it out.
Oh my gosh, will there ever be a day when I don’t get scolded? And I never get answers to my questions!
North♣: Please tell me. So I won’t do it again.
North♣: So I won’t get docked again T^T
The chat showed as read but no reply again, making me sigh in frustration. Is he hard to understand, or am I not understanding? When I started to feel hungry, I remembered it was time to eat. But to be honest, I’m scared to use Phii Johan’s money, what if he suddenly demands it back and I can’t return it, that would be tough.
Johan: How did you get here?
North♣: What?
Johan: Black Ninja
Johan: Who?
Black Ninja?
Oh…you mean Tiger’s big bike. But how did Phii Joe see that?
North♣: A friend named Tiger.
North♣: Why?
Johan: Your friend?
North♣: Yes.
Johan: Oh.
Johan: Have you eaten yet?
!!
North♣: Not yet.
North♣: Phii. Oh my, my chat with Phii Johan has turned into a normal, everyday conversation. Oh my, why do I feel like crying? Since we’ve known each other, we’ve hardly had a normal conversation like this.
Johan: Why haven’t you eaten?
North♣: Well…I don’t have money.
Johan: Not enough?
Johan: Did you eat an elephant or something?
North♣: No, Phii. Who would eat an elephant?
North♣: I don’t dare to spend your money.
Johan: Why?
Johan: So you didn’t eat breakfast either?
North♣: I did eat breakfast, Phii.
North♣: I had Tiger feed me, LOL.
(Read)
Oh, he read it and didn’t reply again. What’s up with him? This has happened several times now, leaving me waiting for a reply for almost five minutes.
MaPrang: North, again?
Wait! Why is Phii Prang messaging me…just seeing the chat name already makes my heart sink.
North♣: Phii Prang, LOL.
North♣: You never message me with good news.
North♣: May I block you?
MaPrang: Calm down.
MaPrang: Don’t block me, if you block me, who will tell you about the money?
MaPrang: Just stopping by to say Joe docked your money again, haha.
MaPrang: Let’s eat first, I’ll tally it up in the evening. MaPrang: In case he docks more, haha.
What now, docked again. Always docking money, why are you like this, T^T, but this time I can guess it might be about Tiger treating me to a meal. We were talking about it, and then you disappeared.
North♣: Can’t Tiger treat me to a meal?, T^T
Johan: Didn’t expect you to know.
Johan: Actually, you’re quite smart.
Phii Johan!! being called stupid hurts less than this, has anyone ever told you, you have a sharp tongue. And you love to tease a lot too.
North♣: I didn’t know this. Who would have known you’d be upset about this.
About what?
Johan: Remember now.
Johan: What, are you chewing on my money or something?
North: Are you crazy?
North♣: Who in the world chews money?
Johan: Yeah
Johan: Just use it.
North♣: Are you seriously letting me use it? Like, for real?
North♣: Not some kind of trick, right?
Johan: Trick?
Johan: With someone like you?
Okay…
Fine, I give up. I won’t argue anymore, just stop this harsh talking, my heart is totally bruised.
North♣: Okay…
North♣: I’ll use it then. I’ll go eat first. (Read)
I got up from my usual table and headed through the crowd to the cafeteria. The chat, the only normal conversation we’ve had, lasted less than five minutes, then it went back to me getting scolded like usual. Seriously. At first, I thought he was being kind, actually giving me money.
Ah…But in the end, I still haven’t gotten an answer as to why he deducted my money three times.
16:23 PM
I’m sitting at the back of the class with my arms folded. Next to me is Duennao, who is resting his chin on his hand and yawning. I glance over to see Kyukyu scribbling something or maybe not, next to Kett. Classes from the afternoon till 5:30 PM with no break, this subject is just too harsh. It’s super hard, and I don’t get any of it.
Today I have to work at Phii Ya’s shop with Ter starting at six, will I even have time to eat before then? Damn it, I forgot to check the schedule for this semester.
“North.” Nao called out to me.
“What?”
“Lend me your shirt.”
“Why?” I asked.
“I’m Nao.”
“Yeah, I know that. I’m North, nice to meet you.” [1] This is a play on the word Nao which means cold so saying I am Nao can also mean I am cold.
“That old gag should disappear.”
“You used it yesterday.”
“Whatever, just take off your shirt.”
“Can you even force someone to do that?” I questioned, puzzled. Can you really force someone to take off their shirt like this? “To cover us together, like a dog, Nao. Seeing Skater asleep makes me think we’re in a room full of dead souls.”
“You said it too.” I said, chuckling. If Skater heard that, he’d definitely retort, but he’s out cold.
“You know this class is blown by AC, why didn’t you bring a sweater?”
“Forget it, come on, let me borrow some warmth from your shirt. No way, it’s your husband’s shirt.”
“Nah, I won’t take it off because of that.” I said, making a face. What husband’s shirt are you talking about? It’s been like this since morning, are you trying to be intense now?
“Not borrowing from Tiger, he’s right in front.” I said, pointing at Tiger who was studying at the front of the classroom. Even though we’re not in the same major, we share some classes, “No, he’s too far.”
“Text him and tell him.”
“I feel bad about it.”
Acting all considerate. If you’d ask, he’d take his clothes off for you until he’s down to his underwear, just because you’d tell him you’re cold.
“I’ll tell him for you.” I said, pulling out my phone. I sent a message to Tiger asking to borrow his shirt, saying Duennao said it’s cold so he needed it. I saw Tiger, who was sitting at the front, picked up his phone to read the message and immediately took off his sweater, sending it over.
“The person in front sent this, said it’s for someone named Duennao.” The girl in front turned around and handed over Tiger’s large shirt to us.
“Thanks.” Duennao said, taking the shirt, “You ass.” before turning to scold me.
“Oh. Isn’t it good? You said you wanted it.”
“It’s like I robbed him of his shirt, isn’t it cold?” “No, he likes the cold.”
“Is the air cold?”
“Uh…yeah.”
Good that it was sent, but the issue is, I’m too scared to wear it, T^T
“I don’t like his shirt.” Nao said before spreading out the shirt to cover himself.
“Oh. You won’t wear it?”
“I said I don’t like his shirt. I don’t like anything about him. Even though he’s willing to lend it to me.”
“Why?”
“It’s expensive, I’m afraid I’ll ruin it. Last time I scuffed his shoes and was stressed out, nearly died, he loves his stuff.”
“Oh. You don’t like wearing expensive things.” I said.
“Wow, this shirt must cost several thousands, if not almost ten thousand. Do you dare to wear it?” The person next to me raised an eyebrow and asked, which really threw me off…
Damn, now I want to take off the shirt I’m wearing and use it like Nao did, T^T
Ding!
Who’s messaging me now?
Johan: Where are you?
He’s asking the same old question…
North♣: At the faculty.
North♣: Still in class, TT.
Johan: What time do you finish?
North♣: Half past five.
Johan: Where are you going after?
I stared wide-eyed at the chat screen…shit, is it going to rain or something? Phii Johan is asking me where I’m going beforehand. Not like before where he would just tell me where to go. Oh my, tears might start flowing, the world must remember this moment!
North♣: Probably to eat.
North♣: Then to work.
I told the truth since today I’m working at the Japanese restaurant with Ter. I can tell Phii Johan about that, but about working at the bar, absolutely not.
Johan: With Ter?
North♣: Yes.
North♣: Phii Hill comes to pick us up.
Johan: Tell Hill to take a detour to pick you up.
North♣: Yes…usually Phii Hill picks us up when I go to work.
Johan: And then you go eat with him?
North♣: Yes…why?
Johan: You’re a burden.
North♣: Come on, T^T
“North, what are you talking about with whom?” Nao leaned over to sneak a peek at my chat since who knows when, and then he teased. I didn’t hide my phone, letting him continue reading, “Wow, talking to your husband, huh?”
“Screw that, you’re just making things up. He’s scolding me here.”
“He’s got some guts.”
“It’s not guts anymore, it feels like a punch in the heart.” I said, making a face like I was about to cry at Nao, “Phii Hill says I’m a burden.”
“Well, he’s right.”
“Come-onnn.” I dragged out my voice, “We’re friends. Won’t you take my side at all?”
“It’s true though, don’t you realize?” “I know it’s true, but Ter said it’s okay.” I said, making a sullen face. Initially, I didn’t want to be the third wheel, but Ter told me it was fine to come along.
“You believe Ter, but what about Phii Hill’s car? If it were you, would you want to have dinner with your couple or bring along a third wheel?”
“Nao, don’t call me a third wheel.” I dragged out my voice again, why are you so harsh, T^T
“You wouldn’t want to sit in the middle of a pink atmosphere, right?”
“Honestly, no, it’s like torture for me, the bright world turns to hell, just the two of them being all lovey-dovey, the scent of love filling the air.” I answered, thinking about the times when I went out with those two, experiencing the single person’s torment of watching a couple in love.
“So you are Phii Hill’s burden.”
“You didn’t have to say it so bluntly.”
North♣: So what should I do then?
North♣: I don’t have a car, how am I supposed to get to work?
North♣: I really don’t want to bother Phii Hill, honestly.
5:28 PM
Johan: Huh?
Johan: Then come with me.
Johan: I’m at your faculty already.
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